All accredited genetic counseling programs participate in the Genetic Counseling (GC) Admissions Match. Applicants are required to register with the National Match System (NMS) in order to obtain a unique identifying number, in addition to filling out the required UCSF application. Your NMS number MUST be included in your application. To register and learn more information about the matching process, please visit the NMS website.
GCEA has funded a limited number of waivers for the $100 fee associated with NMS registration. Applicants demonstrating financial need AND a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater are eligible to apply. See our News page for additional information and instructions.
Applications are submitted on-line. The online application portal may be found at the UCSF Graduate Division application site. Register for a new account and select Genetic Counseling Program to apply.
UCSF will communicate with you via email. It is essential that you have a reliable email account that you check on a regular basis.
Applicants must provide copies of transcripts from every post-secondary (after high school) institution you have attended as a full-time student. Transcripts from any other schools are optional unless they document fulfillment of program prerequisites. All records should clearly indicate the name under which you are applying to UCSF. Any former names (e.g. maiden name) should be documented in the Personal Information section of the application.
Unofficial transcripts or scanned copies of official transcripts are sufficient for the application. ONLY students admitted into the Genetic Counseling program will be required to send OFFICIAL transcripts to Genetic Counseling Program offices in the spring.
The UCSF Genetic Counseling Program requires 3 letters of recommendation. There are no requirements regarding the background of your recommenders, although they should not be relatives. You are encouraged to choose individuals from different aspects of your life that can comment on different strengths. Letters of Recommendation will be directly submitted by your recommender through the application portal. You will enter your recommender’s name and email address in the portal and the recommender will receive an electronic link to upload their Letter of Recommendation.
We truly enjoy reading personal statements from all applicants. Please tell us how you became interested in genetic counseling, any inter-personal and/or extracurricular experiences that led to your interest, how you determined that this career aligns with your professional goals, and highlight your personal characteristics that will contribute to your success as a genetic counselor in whatever path you pursue post-graduation. Your Personal Statement may also discuss how your personal background and/or history informed your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Please include any educational, cultural, economic, family, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey.
The personal statement should be limited to 3 pages (~ 750 words, double-spaced).
A resume or Curriculm vitae (CV) is an outstanding way to feature all your accomplishments and activities that may not be captured on your transcript, Letters of Recommendation and/or Personal Statement.
Please include any work experience(s), volunteer experience(s), academic accomplishment, published works and/or experiences that highlight your exposure or interaction with the genetic counseling profession. Your resume or CV should not be limited to just genetic counseling-related activities, we are curious about you as a whole person. Please also indicate anything that is in progress (such as coursework or other activities) and the anticipated completion date.
Your resume or CV will be uploaded with your other materials through the online application portal.
An application fee of $120 for US citizens and permanent residents, and $140 for international applicants is required upon final submission of the application. Information and applications for application fee waivers may be found here. Applications for fee waivers must be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to the application deadline. Application fees are non-refundable.
Application materials, once submitted as part of your application, become the property of UCSF. Materials will not be returned, and copies will not be provided for applicants nor released to other institutions. Please keep any copies for your records.
Applicants found to be competitive for admission will be invited for an interview. Interview invitations will be sent by email. Interviews are required for admission and will be conducted virtually for the 2023 admission cycle (admission in September 2023).
Where can I learn more about the Genetic Counseling Admissions Match system?
All accredited Genetic Counseling graduate programs use a match system for program admissions. Applicants must register in the National Match System (NMS) in addition to following the required application process for each individual school. More information can be obtained at https://www.natmatch.com/gcadmissions/.
When is the application deadline?
December 3, 2024 5:00; pm Pacific time
Which program should I select in the online application portal?
Can I apply for admission Winter or Spring quarter?
No, applications are only accepted for admission in the Fall quarter.
Is there a cost to apply to your program?
Yes, the current application fee and qualifications for application fee waivers may be found at the UCSF Graduate Division Admission Requirements and Application Process page. The Genetic Counseling Program is not involved in the granting of application fee waivers.
Does your program require GRE scores?
No, the UCSF Genetic Counseling Program does not require GRE scores. UCSF does not use the GRE for admission to any program.
What if I have not completed the prerequisite courses prior to the application deadline?
You do not have to complete all the prerequisite courses before the application deadline. Applicants may apply with no more than two prerequisite courses in progress. However, to be officially admitted, you will have to successfully complete all prerequisites prior to Fall enrollment. Depending on the missing prerequisites it can be hard, if not impossible, to provide a fair evaluation of your application.
If you have not completed all prerequisites at the time of your application, indicate in your resume or CV when a prerequisite(s) will be completed.
Some of my prerequisites are from 5-10+ years ago. Is that too old?
For course work, generally it is fine as long as you feel you can recall the information. If your course work in molecular biology and/or genetics is over 5 years old it is strongly recommended that you take a refresher as that content has changed significantly in recent years. Please indicate or comment on any refresher courses in your application. Supplementary activities should be current, especially any activities investigating the genetic counseling profession.
Where can I find information pertaining to international applicants?
There is an International Applicants section on the Admissions page of the Genetic Counseling Program website. Information on academic credentials and English proficiency requirements may be found at the Graduate Division Application Requirements and Application Process website. Information on visa services may be found at the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). Admitted students will require an F-1 visa and are responsible for their own visa fees. Additionally, all international applicants are required to provide proof of sufficient financial resources.
How do I find out about the status of my application?
You may check the status of your application in on-line application portal. All applications are reviewed after the beginning of the year; there is no early admission process. Interviews occur in February and March and any applicant invited for an interview will receive an invitation via email. You may check your online application status beginning in early February for notifications, and please keep your email address up to date, as most correspondence will be sent out by email.
When are the interviews?
Interviews typically take place in February and March and will be scheduled after the start of the year. Applicants receiving interviews will receive the invitation via email.
When will I find out if I’m accepted?
The National Match Day for genetic counseling programs is usually in mid-to-late April. See the NMS Applicants section for the current date.